Chris walked into the living room and saw Stephanie looking at a long row
of film with a magnifying glass. He knelt behind the couch and watched as
she looked from photo to photo. She was so involved in her work, she
didn't even notice him.
It had been three months since Stephanie had moved in, and they were the best of friends. They got along so well, and complimented each other so much. They couldn't even remember how it was living without the other person. They shared a lot of the same interests, and they always had fun together. Chris was so glad that Stephanie had moved in.
They also gave each other a lot of support when it came to their pasts. Whenever one of them was depressed or brooding, the other would try their best to cheer them up. It really was a great arrangement.
"What are you doing?" Chris asked.
Stephanie jumped, then turned to him, "Don't scare me like that."
"Sorry, but I've been kneeling here for like five minutes and you haven't noticed me once Steph."
"Sorry, I was just involved in my work."
"I could see that, so what are you looking at?"
"Oh, just the photographs I took while we visited that small town the other day."
"What for?"
"Well, I've been thinking about what you said, about me having a show, and I called my agent, and so I'm going to have a show in three weeks," she said smiling.
Chris got up and walked around to the front of the couch. He sat down opposite here, and gave her a big hug. She returned it, and as he pulled away he ruffled her hair in a friendly manner.
"Congratulations. Where's it going to be?"
"In Albuquerque."
"Wow, this is great, I can't wait. Is it going to be one of those up-scale kind of things?"
"Yes, it is. So you better get your suit ready."
"It'll be ready."
The next couple weeks, Stephanie frantically tried to get herself ready for the show. It had been over a year since her last show. She knew that she had a lot of fans of her work, so she was expecting a large crowd. And that meant that she had to pick a lot of photographs.
Chris didn't just sit by and watch as she worked non-stop. He would make the meals, and make sure she ate so she wouldn't starve herself. He also sometimes helped develop some of her photographs, since he had gotten pretty good at it. He would also help her pick the shots that she should display.
"Chris, what do you think of this shot?" she asked, running down the stairs and handing him the magnifying glass and the negatives.
"Which one?"
"This one," she answered, pointing to one. Chris looked at it, and thought it was a great picture.
"Yes, definitely show that one."
"Great, thanks for the help," she said, running back upstairs.
Chris went back to the book he was reading. He was actually really excited about the show. He had never been to anything like this. He also wanted to support Stephanie, knowing that this was her first show since Hunter's death. She was his best friend, he wanted to be there for her every step of the way.
Stephanie came barreling down the stairs again. Chris chuckled as she plopped down on the couch next to him, catching her breath. She saw him laughing, and stuck her tongue out at him.
"What is it now Steph?"
"Well, you know the picture I took of the store front?"
"Yes."
"Well, should I display the one with the old lady in front, or the two children?"
"Um, I liked the old lady one, you captured her age so well."
"Ok."
"What, you're not going to run upstairs frantically?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, I need a break."
"It's about time you realized that."
"So, what are you doing?"
"Reading," he told her, holding up the book.
"Oh, hey Chris I was thinking?"
"You were, wow, I'm shocked," he joked.
"Oh stop."
"Ok, you have my attention, what were you thinking?"
"We should get a dog."
"What?"
"You heard me, we should get a dog. We need something around the house."
"And you think a dog is a good idea?"
"Yeah, don't you think every ranch should have a dog?"
"Well, maybe. You really want to get one?"
"Yeah, but only if you want to."
"I'm game. We can get one while we're in the city for the show. We'll go down to the shelter and get one," he said smiling at her.
"Great," she said hugging him, "Now, I've got to get back to work."
"I figured you did. It's been a whole whopping seven minutes since you developed something."
"It's been that long!" Stephanie raced up the stairs again.
****************
Stephanie stood around the large room, looking at her photographs hanging on the walls. It had been a hectic three weeks, but finally all the work was done. She had already gotten dressed for the event, and she was just waiting for everyone to arrive.
A couple hours later, everything was in full swing. Stephanie had already sold quite a few photographs, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. She looked around for Chris, wondering where he was. She had driven to the city earlier that day, and he said he was arriving later. She hoped he hadn't gotten caught in traffic or anything.
She spotted her parents, who had flown down from Connecticut, and made her way over to them. Her parents had been worried about her for the longest time. She didn't really blame them, after Hunter had died, she had died a little as well. She wasn't completely healed, but time would take care of that. Her parents were ecstatic that she seemed to be back on her feet a little.
"Hi Mom, hi Daddy," Stephanie said as she approached them.
"Stephanie, hello, this is a wonderful show," her mother told her.
"Yes, I think we might have to buy a few of these," her father added.
"Daddy, you don't have to buy anything."
"Of course I do, I'm your father."
Chris walked into the room. He had been a little bit late, he'd had to make sure the horses were fed before he left. He scanned the large room, and spotted Stephanie standing with an older couple. He walked briskly over to them.
As soon as he was over there, he gave Stephanie a friendly peck on the cheek as she turned to him. She smiled up at him, glad that he had finally arrived. Her parents stood back and watched them.
"You look beautiful," Chris said complimenting her, eyeing her short, off the shoulder black dress.
"Thanks Chris, you don't look bad yourself," she told him, eyeing the very dapper suit he was wearing.
"The show is looking good, I see lots of 'sold' stickers."
"Yeah, it's going well," Stephanie then turned to her parents, "Chris, these are my parents, Vince and Linda McMahon."
"Nice to meet you both," Chris said, shaking their hands, "You have a great daughter."
"Thank you," Vince said.
"This is Chris," Stephanie told them, "My housemate and best friend."
"Oh, you're the Chris she's told us about."
"I suppose so."
"It's very nice to meet you Chris," Linda said.
"Oh, Linda honey, there's someone looking at that picture I want, let's go buy it before they get it," Vince said, as he and Linda left Chris and Stephanie behind.
"You were late," she said.
"I know, I had to feed the horses, and there was traffic, I'm sorry."
"It's ok, I was just starting to think something bad had happened to you."
"No, nothing bad happened," Chris said, wrapping an arm around Stephanie, "I'm ok."
"Well, you know I just get nervous," she said, thinking back to Hunter.
"I understand, you don't have to feel bad about it."
"Thanks."
"So, you're racking in the bucks I assume."
"You assume correct."
"This is all pretty fancy."
"I know, but that's what you get when you have a show. Did you bring your things with you?"
"Yeah, they're in my car."
"Ok, I already got our room at the hotel."
"Great."
"Stephanie, there's some people who'd like to meet you," Stephanie's agent said as he walked over to the twosome.
"Chris, if you'll excuse me."
"Go ahead Steph, your public awaits," he winked. She laughed and walked off.
Chris walked around looking at the various photographs. He had seen them all before, but it was different seeing them framed and mounted. It was also weird seeing people fawning over them, and discussing them. To him they were just Steph's pictures that she sometimes had laying around the house. But to these people it was art.
"Chris, may I talk to you?" Chris turned around and was faced with Stephanie's father.
"Of course," Chris answered.
"I just wanted to thank you...for what you did for Stephanie."
"Huh? Um, I'm not following you."
"She hasn't been the same since Hunter died, but for the first time, we can see glimpses of the old Stephanie. I know you took her in, and I don't know why, but she's better."
"Well, I don't think I'm necessarily the one responsible for that, but thank you."
"I don't know the circumstances for which you started living together, but I thank you for being there for her."
"We both know what it's like to lose someone. And she needed a place to stay, and I needed a friend, so that's how it worked out."
"Well, thank you," Vince said, shaking his hand before walking away.
****************
Chris and Stephanie walked into their hotel room later that evening. Stephanie was exhausted from the day. She had managed to sell all but four pictures, which was surprising. She didn't know she was going to sell so much. They both got ready for bed, and climbed into the two beds in the room.
"So I saw you talking to my father, what was that about?" she asked him from her bed.
"He wanted to thank me."
"Thank you for what."
"For getting you out of your depression."
"Oh, well, that's my dad for you."
"It was nice of him though, that he's so concerned for you."
"I guess, he just didn't get why I was so upset about Hunter. My dad isn't the most emotional man in the world."
"Well, he loves you."
"I know. So are we going to get our dog tomorrow?"
"Yeah, we'll head out first thing in the morning."
"Night Chris."
"Good night Steph."
******************
Chris and Stephanie stood in the middle of the shelter trying to look for the perfect dog. There were many dogs there, and it was really hard to choose one. They wanted a good dog that would like ranch life.
"We don't want a small dog, but not too big either," Chris said, as they walked from stall to stall.
"What about a Yellow Lab?"
"We'll see."
They walked from stall to stall, looking at the various dogs. As they stopped in front of one, they both spotted the perfect dog for them. There was a small beagle in one of the stalls, and he had the cutest eyes they had ever seen. He had a brown and white coat, and cute floppy ears. Chris and Stephanie both looked at each other and knew that was the dog for them.
"We'll take that one," Chris said, pointing at the dog.
The employee on duty went over and opened it up. The dog came out, and Stephanie leaned down to pet it. The dog licked her hand, and Stephanie grinned at it, then at Chris. Chris smiled, looking at them.
"Hey there, little guy," she said, "You're going to come home with us."
They signed all the papers and things, and they bought a collar and a leash for their new pet. They also bought a dish, food, and some toys that they thought he would like. They walked over to their cars, and decided to name him when they got home.
They arrived home later, and let the dog out of the car. He immediately bounded up the steps and waited by the door. Chris looked surprised.
"Wow, he's smart."
"And he's so adorable," Stephanie said, petting the dog's head.
"I think he had other owners, and they probably trained him," Chris said.
"Probably, but who would give up such a cutie?"
"Well, that cutie needs a name."
"What should we name him?"
"Hmm, I don't know."
"How about Toby?"
"No, I don't like that name."
"Well, what name do you like?"
Chris picked up the newspaper. He flipped through, and stopped on the sports section. He saw a coach's name, and thought it would be a good name for the dog. He held out the paper to Stephanie.
"How about this?" he asked, pointing to the name.
Stephanie read it, "I like it, it's unique."
"Ok, then that's what we'll name him."
Stephanie kneeled down, "Hey Dungy, do you like that name?"
The dog licked her hand again. Stephanie smiled at the dog. Chris leaned down, and patted him on the head, which the dog liked.
"I think he likes it," he said.
"Then Dungy it is."
"Welcome home Dungy."
It had been three months since Stephanie had moved in, and they were the best of friends. They got along so well, and complimented each other so much. They couldn't even remember how it was living without the other person. They shared a lot of the same interests, and they always had fun together. Chris was so glad that Stephanie had moved in.
They also gave each other a lot of support when it came to their pasts. Whenever one of them was depressed or brooding, the other would try their best to cheer them up. It really was a great arrangement.
"What are you doing?" Chris asked.
Stephanie jumped, then turned to him, "Don't scare me like that."
"Sorry, but I've been kneeling here for like five minutes and you haven't noticed me once Steph."
"Sorry, I was just involved in my work."
"I could see that, so what are you looking at?"
"Oh, just the photographs I took while we visited that small town the other day."
"What for?"
"Well, I've been thinking about what you said, about me having a show, and I called my agent, and so I'm going to have a show in three weeks," she said smiling.
Chris got up and walked around to the front of the couch. He sat down opposite here, and gave her a big hug. She returned it, and as he pulled away he ruffled her hair in a friendly manner.
"Congratulations. Where's it going to be?"
"In Albuquerque."
"Wow, this is great, I can't wait. Is it going to be one of those up-scale kind of things?"
"Yes, it is. So you better get your suit ready."
"It'll be ready."
The next couple weeks, Stephanie frantically tried to get herself ready for the show. It had been over a year since her last show. She knew that she had a lot of fans of her work, so she was expecting a large crowd. And that meant that she had to pick a lot of photographs.
Chris didn't just sit by and watch as she worked non-stop. He would make the meals, and make sure she ate so she wouldn't starve herself. He also sometimes helped develop some of her photographs, since he had gotten pretty good at it. He would also help her pick the shots that she should display.
"Chris, what do you think of this shot?" she asked, running down the stairs and handing him the magnifying glass and the negatives.
"Which one?"
"This one," she answered, pointing to one. Chris looked at it, and thought it was a great picture.
"Yes, definitely show that one."
"Great, thanks for the help," she said, running back upstairs.
Chris went back to the book he was reading. He was actually really excited about the show. He had never been to anything like this. He also wanted to support Stephanie, knowing that this was her first show since Hunter's death. She was his best friend, he wanted to be there for her every step of the way.
Stephanie came barreling down the stairs again. Chris chuckled as she plopped down on the couch next to him, catching her breath. She saw him laughing, and stuck her tongue out at him.
"What is it now Steph?"
"Well, you know the picture I took of the store front?"
"Yes."
"Well, should I display the one with the old lady in front, or the two children?"
"Um, I liked the old lady one, you captured her age so well."
"Ok."
"What, you're not going to run upstairs frantically?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, I need a break."
"It's about time you realized that."
"So, what are you doing?"
"Reading," he told her, holding up the book.
"Oh, hey Chris I was thinking?"
"You were, wow, I'm shocked," he joked.
"Oh stop."
"Ok, you have my attention, what were you thinking?"
"We should get a dog."
"What?"
"You heard me, we should get a dog. We need something around the house."
"And you think a dog is a good idea?"
"Yeah, don't you think every ranch should have a dog?"
"Well, maybe. You really want to get one?"
"Yeah, but only if you want to."
"I'm game. We can get one while we're in the city for the show. We'll go down to the shelter and get one," he said smiling at her.
"Great," she said hugging him, "Now, I've got to get back to work."
"I figured you did. It's been a whole whopping seven minutes since you developed something."
"It's been that long!" Stephanie raced up the stairs again.
****************
Stephanie stood around the large room, looking at her photographs hanging on the walls. It had been a hectic three weeks, but finally all the work was done. She had already gotten dressed for the event, and she was just waiting for everyone to arrive.
A couple hours later, everything was in full swing. Stephanie had already sold quite a few photographs, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. She looked around for Chris, wondering where he was. She had driven to the city earlier that day, and he said he was arriving later. She hoped he hadn't gotten caught in traffic or anything.
She spotted her parents, who had flown down from Connecticut, and made her way over to them. Her parents had been worried about her for the longest time. She didn't really blame them, after Hunter had died, she had died a little as well. She wasn't completely healed, but time would take care of that. Her parents were ecstatic that she seemed to be back on her feet a little.
"Hi Mom, hi Daddy," Stephanie said as she approached them.
"Stephanie, hello, this is a wonderful show," her mother told her.
"Yes, I think we might have to buy a few of these," her father added.
"Daddy, you don't have to buy anything."
"Of course I do, I'm your father."
Chris walked into the room. He had been a little bit late, he'd had to make sure the horses were fed before he left. He scanned the large room, and spotted Stephanie standing with an older couple. He walked briskly over to them.
As soon as he was over there, he gave Stephanie a friendly peck on the cheek as she turned to him. She smiled up at him, glad that he had finally arrived. Her parents stood back and watched them.
"You look beautiful," Chris said complimenting her, eyeing her short, off the shoulder black dress.
"Thanks Chris, you don't look bad yourself," she told him, eyeing the very dapper suit he was wearing.
"The show is looking good, I see lots of 'sold' stickers."
"Yeah, it's going well," Stephanie then turned to her parents, "Chris, these are my parents, Vince and Linda McMahon."
"Nice to meet you both," Chris said, shaking their hands, "You have a great daughter."
"Thank you," Vince said.
"This is Chris," Stephanie told them, "My housemate and best friend."
"Oh, you're the Chris she's told us about."
"I suppose so."
"It's very nice to meet you Chris," Linda said.
"Oh, Linda honey, there's someone looking at that picture I want, let's go buy it before they get it," Vince said, as he and Linda left Chris and Stephanie behind.
"You were late," she said.
"I know, I had to feed the horses, and there was traffic, I'm sorry."
"It's ok, I was just starting to think something bad had happened to you."
"No, nothing bad happened," Chris said, wrapping an arm around Stephanie, "I'm ok."
"Well, you know I just get nervous," she said, thinking back to Hunter.
"I understand, you don't have to feel bad about it."
"Thanks."
"So, you're racking in the bucks I assume."
"You assume correct."
"This is all pretty fancy."
"I know, but that's what you get when you have a show. Did you bring your things with you?"
"Yeah, they're in my car."
"Ok, I already got our room at the hotel."
"Great."
"Stephanie, there's some people who'd like to meet you," Stephanie's agent said as he walked over to the twosome.
"Chris, if you'll excuse me."
"Go ahead Steph, your public awaits," he winked. She laughed and walked off.
Chris walked around looking at the various photographs. He had seen them all before, but it was different seeing them framed and mounted. It was also weird seeing people fawning over them, and discussing them. To him they were just Steph's pictures that she sometimes had laying around the house. But to these people it was art.
"Chris, may I talk to you?" Chris turned around and was faced with Stephanie's father.
"Of course," Chris answered.
"I just wanted to thank you...for what you did for Stephanie."
"Huh? Um, I'm not following you."
"She hasn't been the same since Hunter died, but for the first time, we can see glimpses of the old Stephanie. I know you took her in, and I don't know why, but she's better."
"Well, I don't think I'm necessarily the one responsible for that, but thank you."
"I don't know the circumstances for which you started living together, but I thank you for being there for her."
"We both know what it's like to lose someone. And she needed a place to stay, and I needed a friend, so that's how it worked out."
"Well, thank you," Vince said, shaking his hand before walking away.
****************
Chris and Stephanie walked into their hotel room later that evening. Stephanie was exhausted from the day. She had managed to sell all but four pictures, which was surprising. She didn't know she was going to sell so much. They both got ready for bed, and climbed into the two beds in the room.
"So I saw you talking to my father, what was that about?" she asked him from her bed.
"He wanted to thank me."
"Thank you for what."
"For getting you out of your depression."
"Oh, well, that's my dad for you."
"It was nice of him though, that he's so concerned for you."
"I guess, he just didn't get why I was so upset about Hunter. My dad isn't the most emotional man in the world."
"Well, he loves you."
"I know. So are we going to get our dog tomorrow?"
"Yeah, we'll head out first thing in the morning."
"Night Chris."
"Good night Steph."
******************
Chris and Stephanie stood in the middle of the shelter trying to look for the perfect dog. There were many dogs there, and it was really hard to choose one. They wanted a good dog that would like ranch life.
"We don't want a small dog, but not too big either," Chris said, as they walked from stall to stall.
"What about a Yellow Lab?"
"We'll see."
They walked from stall to stall, looking at the various dogs. As they stopped in front of one, they both spotted the perfect dog for them. There was a small beagle in one of the stalls, and he had the cutest eyes they had ever seen. He had a brown and white coat, and cute floppy ears. Chris and Stephanie both looked at each other and knew that was the dog for them.
"We'll take that one," Chris said, pointing at the dog.
The employee on duty went over and opened it up. The dog came out, and Stephanie leaned down to pet it. The dog licked her hand, and Stephanie grinned at it, then at Chris. Chris smiled, looking at them.
"Hey there, little guy," she said, "You're going to come home with us."
They signed all the papers and things, and they bought a collar and a leash for their new pet. They also bought a dish, food, and some toys that they thought he would like. They walked over to their cars, and decided to name him when they got home.
They arrived home later, and let the dog out of the car. He immediately bounded up the steps and waited by the door. Chris looked surprised.
"Wow, he's smart."
"And he's so adorable," Stephanie said, petting the dog's head.
"I think he had other owners, and they probably trained him," Chris said.
"Probably, but who would give up such a cutie?"
"Well, that cutie needs a name."
"What should we name him?"
"Hmm, I don't know."
"How about Toby?"
"No, I don't like that name."
"Well, what name do you like?"
Chris picked up the newspaper. He flipped through, and stopped on the sports section. He saw a coach's name, and thought it would be a good name for the dog. He held out the paper to Stephanie.
"How about this?" he asked, pointing to the name.
Stephanie read it, "I like it, it's unique."
"Ok, then that's what we'll name him."
Stephanie kneeled down, "Hey Dungy, do you like that name?"
The dog licked her hand again. Stephanie smiled at the dog. Chris leaned down, and patted him on the head, which the dog liked.
"I think he likes it," he said.
"Then Dungy it is."
"Welcome home Dungy."
